What to Wear on a Cruise: Your Essential Packing Guide

Packing for a cruise can feel like a game of sartorial Tetris. You want to be prepared for everything from lounging by the pool to enjoying a formal dinner, all while fitting everything into your suitcase. But don’t worry, mastering cruise dress codes is easier than you think. Let’s break down what to wear on a cruise so you can set sail in style (and comfort!).

Key Takeaways

  • Pack smart: Cruise wardrobes are all about versatile pieces. Think comfy sundresses, stylish sandals, and a few key accessories to dress things up for the evening.
  • Relax and enjoy the flexibility: While some cruise lines have formal nights, most embrace a more relaxed dress code. Leave the ballgowns and tuxedos at home unless you’re sailing with a luxury line known for its formal vibe.
  • Plan for every activity: From exploring port cities to lounging by the pool, pack for a variety of activities. Comfortable shoes are a must, and don’t forget essentials like swimsuits, cover-ups, and a light jacket or sweater.

What are Cruise Dress Codes?

Cruise dress codes have become a bit more relaxed in recent years. While the days of strict formality on every sailing might be fading, there’s still an element of dressing up for dinner or special events. Think of it as an opportunity to have a little fun with your wardrobe!

Cruise lines want you to feel comfortable, but they also want to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for all passengers, especially during the evening. You’ll generally encounter a few standard dress codes: casual, smart casual, and formal. Some cruise lines are moving away from formal nights altogether, opting instead for “dress-up-or-don’t” evenings.

Don’t worry—we’ll break down each dress code so you can pack with confidence and look forward to showing off your cruise style!

Dress for Daytime Fun on Your Cruise

Let’s be real, you’re on vacation! When you’re exploring the ship, joining onboard activities, or soaking up the sun by the pool, comfort is key.

Athleisure and Casual Wear are A-Okay

Good news: your daytime cruise wardrobe can be super relaxed. Think comfortable and stylish outfits like:

  • Shorts and tees
  • Tank tops and skorts
  • Sundresses and rompers
  • Your favorite swimsuit (or two!)

And don’t forget your most comfortable walking shoes. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking around the ship and on shore excursions.

What to Wear for Cruise Activities

Planning to hit the gym, try rock climbing, or take a dip in the pool? Pack your workout gear and a swimsuit. And if your itinerary includes a formal night, pack something a little dressier for the evening.

A light jacket or sweater is always a good idea for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces. And if you’re cruising to a destination with a lot of sun, pack a hat and sunglasses for protection.

What to Wear to Dinner on a Cruise

Dinner on a cruise ship is a chance to unwind, enjoy delicious food, and look great doing it. But with different dress codes each night, it can be tricky to know what to pack. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your guide to decoding cruise dinner dress codes:

Casual Evening Options

Most nights, you can rock a casual look for dinner. Think of it as stepping up your daytime outfit just a notch. For women, a sundress or a cute top with pants or a skirt is perfect. Men can’t go wrong with a collared shirt or polo with casual pants or nice jeans.

Smart Casual: Not Too Fancy, Not Too Casual

Smart casual is the most common dress code on cruises. It strikes a balance between being dressed up but not overly formal. Think of it as what you’d wear to a nice restaurant back home. Women have lots of options: a casual dress, a skirt and top, or even dressy pants with a nice blouse. Men can opt for dress pants or tailored jeans with a button-down shirt or a collared shirt. You can even add a blazer or sport coat for a more polished look. According to USA Today, most cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes, so you can leave the tuxedos and ballgowns at home.

Formal Night: Get Fancy!

Formal night is your chance to channel your inner movie star. Think cocktail dresses, elegant jumpsuits, and even floor-length gowns for women. Men, this is the time to break out that suit or tuxedo. If you don’t want to go full-on formal, a sport coat with dress pants and a tie is a great option. Cunard is known for its formal nights, often featuring three over a week-long cruise.

Pack a Versatile Cruise Wardrobe

Casual Essentials for Day and Night

During your cruise, you’ll want a mix of comfortable clothes for exploring the ship and stylish pieces for evenings. Pack your favorite shorts, sundresses, and t-shirts for daytime activities like lounging by the pool or grabbing lunch at the buffet. A few pairs of comfortable sandals or walking shoes will keep your feet happy as you explore ports of call.

In the evenings, you can easily dress up your daytime looks with a scarf, jewelry, or a lightweight sweater or jacket.

Layer Up for Changing Temperatures

Even in tropical destinations, temperatures can fluctuate on the open water, especially in the evenings. Pack a light jacket or cardigan for cooler nights and breezy days at sea. A pashmina or shawl is another versatile piece that can add warmth and style to your outfit.

When choosing fabrics for your cruise wardrobe, opt for breathable materials like cotton and linen that will keep you cool and comfortable in warmer climates.

Comfortable and Stylish Cruise Shoes

Finding the right shoes is key to a successful cruise vacation. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential. But you’ll also want shoes that look stylish with your outfits for evenings and dinners.

Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for exploring ports of call and a pair of sandals or flats for wearing around the ship. If you plan on dressing up for formal nights, pack a pair of heels or dress shoes.

Cruise Line Dress Codes: What to Expect

Luxury vs. Mainstream Cruise Dress Codes

If you’re sailing with a luxury cruise line, expect a more formal vibe. Think elegant dinners where suits and ties for men and cocktail dresses or evening gowns for women are the norm. Royal Caribbean even compares its formal nights to a “night out in your best black-tie look.”

Mainstream cruise lines are a bit more relaxed. While they often have “formal” or “elegant” nights, you’ll have more flexibility in your wardrobe choices. The Points Guy points out that jeans are generally frowned upon in the main dining room on these nights, so pack accordingly. Most cruise lines offer a mix of casual, smart casual, and formal nights, so you can experience a little bit of everything.

Cruise Lines with Relaxed Dress Codes

Don’t worry, you don’t need a ball gown for every dinner! As Condé Nast Traveler notes, many cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes in recent years. You’ll find that even on “formal” nights, black-tie attire is rarely required.

For example, USA Today highlights Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Cruise Casual” dress code. This means you can comfortably wear collared shirts, casual pants or jeans (no cutoffs, though!), and long dress shorts.

If you’re going on a river cruise, expect an even more relaxed atmosphere. Adept Travel suggests sticking with comfortable, casual attire for both daytime sightseeing and evening activities.

Look Great, Feel Relaxed: Cruise Styling Tips

You’ve booked your dream cruise on CruiseSheet – congrats! Now, let’s talk about packing a wardrobe that’s as chic as it is comfortable.

Accessorize Your Casual Outfits

Think breezy sundresses, flowy skirts, and those comfy linen pants you love. The key to looking pulled-together? Accessories! A wide-brimmed hat, statement earrings, or a colorful scarf can instantly elevate your casual daytime looks. Tourist Secrets recommends packing “relaxed attire such as shorts, sundresses, t-shirts, and swimwear.”

Dress Up Your Leggings and Muscle Tees

Leggings and a tee are basically my cruising uniform. But you know me – I like to add a little something-something. Try a flowy kimono or a long button-down shirt over your outfit. Swap your sneakers for a pair of cute sandals or espadrilles for dinner. According to U.S. News Travel, “Athletic wear including exercise clothing, swimsuits and… casual daytime clothing such as shorts, pants, jeans and comfortable walking shoes are acceptable.”

Day-to-Night Outfit Ideas

Packing light is key, so choose pieces that can transition from day to night. A maxi dress is a perfect example. Wear it with sandals and a sun hat during the day, then dress it up with heels and jewelry for dinner. Royal Caribbean suggests opting for “breezy fabrics like cotton and linen in a loose silhouette” to stay cool during the day, and dressing them up for evening with accessories.

Practical Cruise Clothing Tips

Swimwear and Cover-ups

It’s a cruise, so naturally, you’ll be spending some time in swimwear! Pack a swimsuit or two – you’ll want one for lounging by the pool and another for onboard water parks if your ship has them. Don’t forget a cute cover-up, too. A flowy dress, sarong, or even a loose linen shirt will take you from your stateroom to the pool deck with ease.

What to Wear on Cruise Excursions

How you’ll dress for your cruise excursions will depend on what you’ll be doing. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable, whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or strolling through charming towns. Pack breathable clothing like shorts, capris, or sundresses for warm climates. If you’re headed somewhere with cooler temperatures, layers are key – think jeans, long-sleeved shirts, and a light jacket.

Dress Respectfully at Ports of Call

While cruise ships are generally relaxed environments, it’s important to remember that you’ll be visiting various destinations, each with its own cultural norms. Before you go ashore, do a little research on the dress code at your ports of call. Some religious sites may require modest clothing, like covering your shoulders and knees. It’s always a good idea to err on the side of respect and pack a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.

Find Your Cruise Style: Comfort and Style

Choose Versatile Pieces

Packing for a cruise can be tricky. You want to be prepared for anything, from lounging by the pool to enjoying a formal dinner. The key is to pack versatile pieces that you can dress up or down. A few pairs of pants, a skirt or two, and a handful of tops in complementary colors can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks.

Celebrity Cruises recommends smart casual resort wear during the day, like sundresses, shorts, and polos. Don’t forget a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or indoor air conditioning.

Comfortable and Stylish Cruise Fabrics

When choosing fabrics for your cruise wardrobe, prioritize comfort and breathability. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are great for staying cool in warm weather. Flowy silhouettes and relaxed attire will keep you feeling comfortable all day long.

Accessorize to Enhance Casual Looks

Accessories are your best friend when it comes to cruise style. A few key pieces can instantly elevate a simple outfit. Think statement jewelry, scarves, hats, and sunglasses. You can easily transition a casual daytime look for the evening with a few well-chosen accessories.

Cruise Fashion Dos and Don’ts

Figuring out what to wear on a cruise can feel like solving a sartorial riddle. You want to look stylish but also be comfortable. And then there’s the whole “cruise dress code” thing. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems.

Packing Mistakes to Avoid

First things first, let’s talk about what not to pack. Leave those super-high heels at home (trust me on this one, cruise ships are surprisingly unsteady). Avoid packing bulky items you’ll only wear once – remember, cabin space is limited. And while it’s tempting to pack a different outfit for every single photo op, you can create tons of looks with fewer pieces if you pack strategically.

Most cruise lines have their dress code guidelines readily available online. Checking these guidelines before you start packing will give you a good starting point.

Effortless Cruise Style Tips

The key to nailing cruise style is choosing versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. A flowy maxi dress, for example, can take you from daytime sightseeing to a casual dinner with a simple change of accessories. Pack a few basic tops in neutral colors that you can pair with different bottoms, like skirts, pants, or even those cute shorts you love.

Don’t underestimate the power of accessories! A scarf, a statement necklace, or a cute hat can instantly elevate a simple outfit. And when it comes to shoes, comfort is key. Pack a pair of comfy sandals or flats for walking around the ship and exploring ports of call, and maybe a pair of wedges or heels if you want to dress things up for the evening.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to pack for different climates on the same cruise?

Layering is key! Pack a mix of lightweight and warmer pieces so you can adjust to changing temperatures. A light jacket, cardigan, or pashmina will be your best friend, especially in the evenings or in air-conditioned spaces. If you’re visiting different climates, pack outfits in your suitcase so you can easily switch from warm-weather clothes to layers for cooler destinations.

Can I wear jeans on a cruise?

While jeans are generally acceptable for casual days on the ship and at port, it’s best to check your cruise line’s specific dress code. Some cruise lines discourage jeans in the main dining room, even on “casual” nights. If you’re unsure, pack a pair of dressier pants or a skirt as a backup.

What kind of shoes should I pack for a cruise?

Comfort is crucial when choosing cruise footwear. Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for exploring ports of call. Sandals or flats are great for wearing around the ship. If you plan on dressing up, pack a pair of heels or dress shoes, but make sure they’re comfortable enough for walking on potentially uneven surfaces.

What’s the best way to find out my cruise line’s dress code?

Most cruise lines post their dress code guidelines on their websites. You can usually find this information under the “Frequently Asked Questions” section or by searching for “dress code.” If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for clarification.

What if I don’t want to dress up for formal night?

You have options! While some cruisers love the opportunity to get dressed up, others prefer a more relaxed vibe. If you’d rather skip formal night, you can usually dine at the ship’s buffet or other casual dining venues. Some cruise lines also offer alternative dining experiences for an additional fee, which may have a more relaxed dress code.